Under the directives of the provincial health ministry, Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) formed a joint-task force with law enforcement agencies as ‘One Unit’ against ‘Quackery’.
With immediate measures taken to reduce HIV in affected districts, a massive 4-week crackdown was done by task force where over 475 Anti-Quackery actions were taken in different taluka’s of Larkana and other districts.
SHCC deputed separate Anti-Quackery units in quack-infested areas, including Ratodero, Dokri, and Naudero, followed by a completed crackdown on ‘Quacks’ across Larkana and other districts, including Shikarpur, Kamber/Shadadkot, Kashmore and Jacobabad.
In the last 4 weeks, 91 illegal ‘Quack’ clinics were sealed Under Section U/S 39-i(h) of SHCC Regulations 2017, wherever fake medical practices were identified. All non-qualified unauthorized healthcare practitioners were sealed and re-sealed under section U/S 35(ii) and U/S 35(iii) as per law.
Moreover, 160 healthcare establishments were found to be in due diligence In-compliance of the law, under SHCC Act 2013. Additionally, 196 warning notices were issued on mal-practice, negligence and other policy violations.
With full support of Director General Health Office, both DC and District Health Office Larkana were mobilized to assist SHCC under the HIV- Outbreak Control Action Plan. The task force also activated a plan to conduct vigilance on sealed clinics and check adherence on ‘warnings’ issued.
Here, further support was requested via DIG Larkana via District SSP, by taking serious actions against criminals on against ‘illegal de-sealing’ of clinics.
On the media front, it was agreed that positive media engagement and credible reporting by media outlets was the need of the hour to create public awareness under the HIV outbreak control plan. During weekly roundup meetings, the task force also requested District Health Officers to assist in provision on accurate list of ‘quack’ clinics so that more strict actions can be administered against such criminals with the support of law enforcement agencies through combined efforts.
In the next phase, the operation will be replicated in other parts of the province after acquiring further manpower and mobility resources.
